U.S. Military Helping African Militaries Confront HIV/AIDS Epidemic

Dec 05, 2013

“U.S. Africa Command [Africom] is making headway in helping militaries across Africa confront the HIV/AIDS epidemic through a program focused on prevention, care and treatment, a senior command official reported [Wednesday],” the American Forces Press Service reports. Mike Hrshchyshn, chief of humanitarian and health activities for Africom’s Security Cooperation Programs directorate, spoke at “a web chat commemorating World AIDS Day earlier this week,” the news service notes. “The office oversees the strategic direction of the Defense Department’s HIV/AIDS Prevention Program in Africa,” the news service writes, adding, “Of more than 70 nations that participate in the DOD program, 45 are in Africom’s area of operations, Hrshchyshn reported.” According to AFPS, “The effort has reached nearly a half-million troops and their family members with educational programs about prevention and treatment, provided about 4,000 health care workers trained in HIV/AIDS care and treatment, and provided support to about 75,000 people living with the disease” (Miles, 12/4).